Cycling to work can avoid the stress of sitting in traffic and having to find a parking space. It can also be a great way to fit in some exercise and save you some money.
Why not see where our network of segregated cycleways [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/cycling-1/segregated-cycleways] and other cycle routes [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/cycling-1/cycle-coventry-maps] can take you in Coventry? Our network radiates out from the city centre, but also serves a number of major employment destinations [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/cycling-1/cycling-work/2].
Even if you work further away, you may be able to cycle to a rail or bus station, and travel by train or bus the rest of the way. All rail stations in Coventry have cycle parking, as does Pool Meadow Bus & Coach Station [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/directory-record/42819/pool-meadow-bus-station-fairfax-street-]. Please see our dedicated page for more information on city centre cycle parking [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/homepage/1742/cycle-parking?postcode=CV1+5RR], which includes Coventry railway station.
You can also take your bike on most trains. The Network West Midlands journey planner [http://journeyplanner.networkwestmidlands.com/] can help you combine cycling with bus and train travel.
Getting started
To start all you need is a bike. If you haven't been on yours for a while, give it a check over or visit your local bike shop [/info/200123/cycling/1803/buying_a_bike]. Ask your employer about the Government's Cycle to Work scheme [https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/guide-cycle-work-scheme], which may help you save money buying a new bike.
Bikes and riders come in all shapes and sizes. You can choose what to wear [/info/200123/cycling/1801/getting_started/3] and what kind of bike to buy [https://www.thecyclingexperts.co.uk/get-cycling/buying-a-bike/choosing-the-right-bicycle/] or visit a local bike shop [/info/200123/cycling/1803/buying_a_bike] for advice or there are also bike recycling [/info/200123/cycling/1803/buying_a_bike/2] projects. Some bikes have a luggage rack on the back for cycle panniers or briefcases. You can keep a cycle lock at work to save carrying it with you.
Bikes are also available to hire from West Midlands Cycle Hire [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/wmcyclehire] at docking stations in and around the city centre.
Free cycle training [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/cycletraining] is available from traffic free learn to ride and cycle skills session, to on-road training.
Do you need cycle parking at your workplace?
Free cycle parking is available for businesses to install on their premises while stocks last. Ask your employer to apply for free cycle parking online [https://www.parkthatbike.info/].
Some workplaces provide changing facilities, but if you have an easy cycle ride then you won't have to get changed. Mudguards are useful to keep your clothes clean if it's rainy.
You can plan your cycle route to work using the Bike Citizens online journey planner [http://map.bikecitizens.net/gb-coventry#/!/1/1/-,-/*,5] or take a look at our series of cycle maps [/cyclemaps].
Cycle Coventry
Address: PO Box 15Council House
Earl Street
Coventry
CV1 5RR
Employment sites served by cycle routes
This is a list of major employment sites that are currently accessibly by bike using Coventry's cycle network [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/cycling-1/ride]. Click on route names to find out more about each route, or alternatively you can browse cycle routes on the Open Cycle Map [https://www.opencyclemap.org/](external link)
As our cycle network develops, more employment sites will see improved accessibility by bike. Find out where our network is expanding to next. [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/cycling-1/segregated-cycleways/5]